Mark English just fails to qualify in 800m

Ireland’s Mark English finished fourth in his 800 metres heat at the World Athletic Championships in Moscow but failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

The top three from every heat qualified for Sunday’s semi-finals as well as the next six fastest, however, English’s time of 1:47.08 proved 0.32 of a second too slow for qualification.

Paul Robinson ran in the opening heat of the 800m and also failed to qualify for the semi-finals after finishing sixth in his heat in a time of 1:48.61.

Maria McCambridge competed in the women's marathon but pulled out at the eight-kilometre mark.

Jennifer Carey ran in this afternoon's 400 metres but failed to progress, finishing seventh in her heat.

Speaking after his race, Mark English said: "I'm gutted today, but there are positives to take away too. Maybe I left it a little too late but I finished well, and I felt super down the home straight.

"I knew I had work to do at the 250m point but I knew I could move in the last 100m, I wanted to leave something in the tank. I was nervous but that is normal, unless you're Usain Bolt.

"What's done is done here but I am going to move on. I am ambitious and I'm going to target the 800m European Championships next summer where I think I can medal if I can keep improving. The track was hot here and fast. It's been a good experience for me."

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